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We’re at war but the MoD acts as if it’s peace

The Army is shackled by its Buy British mentality. American kit might save lives

Richard Kemp

December 16 2010, 12:01am, The Times

In September this year, seven years after the notorious Snatch Land Rover first proved its suicidal inadequacy in southern Iraq, the MoD proudly announced its successor: Foxhound.

According to General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue, Chief of Defence Materiel, “This vehicle was designed specifically to protect against the threats faced by troops in Afghanistan. For example, its V-shaped hull will help it withstand the kinds of explosions caused by Taleban bombs”.

But Foxhound is being manufactured with all the urgency of a family saloon and won’t be withstanding any Taleban bombs until at least 2012, two years after the contract for 200 vehicles was signed. Compare that with manufacturing in the Second World War when, among the mass of other vehicles, planes, ships and munitions rolling off…